News

Alabama Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (aAPI) conducted its first Childhood obesity awareness program on April 17, 2014. This was held at Heritage Elementary School in Madison, Alabama, where more than 500 3rd to 6th graders were educated to the ill effects of obesity and introduced to healthy eating habits, by registered dieticians, and active lifestyle emphasized by the fitness instructors from the Huntsville Hospital wellness center, Alabama A&M football athletes, Zumba instructors and the schools PE coach. Two amazing motivational speakers kicked off his fun filled morning. The children enjoyed the event thoroughly and were given T shirts, pedometers and plant samplings for a healthy kitchen garden and treated to healthy snacks sponsored by a local grocery chain. This effort was piloted by Dr. Jitendra Jain, Pediatrician and treasurer of Alabama API with participation of Gowtham Mulpur (Regional Director National AAPI), Dr. Amit Chakrabarty (President aAPI), Stacy Copeland from North Alabama Community Care, spouses of aAPI members and staff of Heritage Elementary. The Mayor of Madison, Troy Trulock was in attendance. We had a very positive feedback from TV and print media and sponsors like Publix who have committed to future support for such programs.Encouraged by this fantastic response we are planning to adopt another school to do the same in May.